Hanging up the helmet, sorry to say...

[pilot]

Reality or not, it is my perception, and perhaps yours, that more and more experienced riders are "hanging up the helmet" aka, selling the bike and gear, cutting back on social rides, sticking only to the track, etc. And, more and more inexperienced riders are joining us on the roads. It appears that the gap is widening.

It is kinda like watching the Race of the Rockies. If the leader is way out in front--that's cool but, we tend to watch the battle for second or third--where the action is. Just like we are seeing more articles and postings about accidents between cagers and newer/unprotected riders. Not so much, about those that are taking the sport in a positive direction.

This perception has even come up in my recent discussions with all classes of racers.

What to do? I'm not sure. Keep learning and passing it on, I guess.

Your thoughts?

~P

[neeonazi]

This has happened a LOT amongst the 'old timers' in our local riding groups. Many have sworn they'll only ride track, have gotten rid of their streetbikes and/or converted their street bikes to track only....

... and then what often happens is this: A few months go by, and suddenly they're jonesin for a street ride, to the point that some even come out for 'regular' rides on a tracked-out bike (no lights, often no tag, etc...).

If you're feelin' it's getting unsafe out there on the street, hang it up for a bit... take a breather, take a break, avoid the "scheduled" rides, and get pickier about who you'll ride with... but I'd suggest "never say never." Don't say you'll NEVER ride street again, just be more selective about when/where and with whom you'll do it.